In an effort to get the nukes back up and running, fishermen in the area helped fish out the jellyfish so it could start generating power again.

EDF Energy said they were unsure when the plant in East Lothian would re-open.

It is the common jellyfish — known as Aurelia aurita – that swam into the filters. The plant uses seawater to cool the reactors.

Although they do not sting, experts said no one should handle them without gloves.

A spokesman said the unit shut down as a precautionary measure after finding the jellyfish. In addition, there was no danger to the public at any time.

The seawater screens filter out debris in cooling water which enters the plant.

“Reduced cooling water flows due to ingress from jellyfish, seaweed and other marine debris are considered as part of the station’s safety case and are not an unknown phenomenon,” an EDF spokesman said.

“This was a precautionary action and the shutdown cooling systems performed in a satisfactory manner and both reactors were safely shut down.”